When you think of Bali, images of stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture probably come to mind.
But Bali is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a culinary journey that’s as rich and diverse as the island itself. From traditional feasts to street food gems, here’s your guide to experiencing Bali’s iconic dishes—made, tasted, and savored the Balinese way.
Discover the best guide on what to eat in Bali in this blog!
Traditional Dishes for Authentic Taste
Nasi Campur – A Melting Pot of Flavors
Nasi Campur is more than a meal.
Imagine a plate where Bali’s culinary soul converges: white rice surrounded by a variety of side dishes like spicy chicken, savory satay, crunchy vegetables, and fiery sambal, each bite offers a different taste experience.
Fun fact, do you know that the process of cooking Nasi Campur is quite interesting?
Each side dish is cooked separately—some grilled, others sautéed, spiced, or steamed—then artfully arranged around a mound of rice.
The taste of Nasi Campur can be imagined as It’s a harmonious mix of textures and flavors, from sweet to spicy, creamy to crunchy.
As a reflection of Bali’s culinary diversity, Nasi Campur offers a little bit of everything, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Here some recommended from us places that’s called served the best Nasi Campur in Bali:
Warung Nasi Campur Men Weti
- Location: Ubud
- Highlights: Known for its authentic and affordable Nasi Campur, this warung serves generous portions that include crispy skin, shredded chicken, and a variety of side dishes. Prices start at around Rp 30,000, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Expect a line as it opens early and fills up quickly!
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
- Location: Ubud (and multiple other locations)
- Highlights: With over 50 years of history, this restaurant is renowned for its flavorful Nasi Campur that includes options like ayam suwir and pepes ayam. The cozy setting adds to the experience, making it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions!
Warung Mak Beng
- Location: Sanur Beach
- Highlights: Famous for its fish-based Nasi Campur, Warung Mak Beng serves fried fish alongside rice, sambal, and a delicious fish broth. This eatery is not only legendary but also ranked among the top restaurants on TasteAtlas, making it a great choice for seafood lovers!
Babi Guling – Bali’s Celebrated Pork Dish
As a starter, let’s picture a whole pig, lovingly marinated with a fragrant blend of turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, and coriander, slowly roasting over an open fire.
The result? Babi Guling—tender, juicy pork with irresistibly crispy golden skin. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a highlight of Balinese celebrations and ceremonies.
The preparation is an art form in itself. Spices are carefully rubbed both inside and out before the pig is roasted to perfection. The flavors are bold and aromatic, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch from the skin and a rich, spiced taste from the meat.
Celebrated for its cultural significance, Babi Guling has evolved beyond tradition to become a must-try dish for anyone visiting Bali. For an unforgettable experience, be sure to check out these top spots:
📍Babi Guling in Denpasar Areas
Babi Guling Candra
One of the oldest and most iconic spots in Denpasar, Candra offers spicy sambal and mixed pork dishes that stand out for their bold, fiery flavors. With prices starting at Rp 25,000, it’s a great choice for budget-friendly indulgence.
Babi Guling Pan Ana
Famous for its generous portions and robust flavor, Pan Ana offers both mixed rice dishes and à la carte options. With prices from Rp 25,000 to Rp 40,000, it’s perfect for those who love hearty meals.
📍Babi Guling In Badung area : Mengwi
Babi Guling Jero Kawan
Overlooking picturesque rice fields, this spot is cherished for its strong spices and stunning views. Starting at Rp 30,000, it offers an authentic experience both on the plate and in ambiance.
Babi Guling Slingsing Bu Suci
A must-visit for its unique fried coconut sambal, Bu Suci’s dish adds a delightful crunch to the traditional recipe. Prices begin at Rp 30,000, making it a hidden gem in Mengwi.
📍Babi Guling In Badung area : Kuta
Babi Guling Bu Dayu Kencani
This is a favorite for late-night diners, staying open from 6 PM to 2 AM. Known for its crispy fried items, Bu Dayu offers a delicious variety starting at Rp 40,000.
Babi Guling Karya Rebo
Perfect for those seeking a lighter spice profile, Karya Rebo serves a generous plate with crispy pork skin for around Rp 50,000.
Babi Guling Bu Ning
For an authentic taste, Bu Ning’s Babi Guling features a variety of side dishes, including sambal and lawar. Prices start at Rp 40,000.
📍Babi Guling In Badung area : Canggu
Babi Guling Men Agus
With views of lush rice fields, this spot offers soft, tender meat infused with traditional spices. Starting at Rp 25,000, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists.
Babi Guling Swari
Known for affordability and crispy pork skin, Swari’s dishes start at Rp 25,000, making it a popular choice in Canggu.
Babi Guling Men Lari
This spot offers a comprehensive plate with side dishes like fried pork and spicy sambal. Prices start at Rp 45,000.
📍Babi Guling In Badung area : Seminyak & Nusa Dua
Babi Guling Pak Malen
Conveniently located on Sunset Road, Pak Malen is ideal for those seeking a mix of spicy and non-spicy options. Prices hover around Rp 40,000, making it a staple in the Seminyak food scene.
Babi Guling Sari Dewi (Pak Dobiel)
Located in Nusa Dua, Pak Dobiel maintains authentic flavors by offering crispy skin and spicy sambal that keeps diners coming back. Prices start at Rp 45,000.
Lawar – A Traditional Mix of Meat and Vegetables
Lawar is a dish deeply rooted in Balinese culture and often reserved for special ceremonies. It’s a unique mix of minced meat, grated coconut, and finely chopped vegetables, sometimes enhanced with animal blood for depth of flavor.
The ingredients are mixed with a blend of spices, creating a dish that’s earthy, slightly tangy, and irresistibly fresh. With its crunchy texture and bold taste, Lawar is a true representation of Bali’s love for balanced flavors.
Lawar, commonly served along with other authentic Balinese dishes like Babi Guling or even served separately with other dishes like Ayam and Bebek Betutu.
All restaurants that have Babi Guling, must serve Lawar in their menu too.
Source: Youtube
Bali’s Must-Try Street Foods
Sate Lilit – Bali’s Twist on Satay
Satay is popular across Indonesia, but Bali puts its own spin on it with Sate Lilit. This dish features minced fish or meat mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices, then molded around sticks of lemongrass or bamboo and grilled over charcoal.
The lemongrass not only acts as a skewer but also infuses the meat with a subtle citrus aroma during grilling.
The taste of Sate Lilit is smoky, savory, and slightly tangy, with a juicy texture that melts in your mouth. Its portability and burst of flavors make it a beloved street food among locals and tourists.
Bubur Sumsum – Bali’s Comforting Dessert
Simple yet satisfying, Bubur Sumsum is a dessert made from creamy rice flour porridge, topped with palm sugar syrup and coconut milk.
Bubur Sumsum is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.Its velvety texture and sweet, caramel-like taste make it a go-to comfort food in Bali, often enjoyed in the morning, also a midday snack or dessert.
This dish showcases the island’s love for natural ingredients and uncomplicated preparation methods.
For a taste of this traditional treat they are often sell at the local market in the morning like in:
📍Pasar Badung Traditional Market
Location: Jl. Badung No. 1, Denpasar
From Our Experience: This traditional market is an excellent place to find various types of Jaje Bali, including Pisang Rai and Klepon. Vendors here serve freshly made sweets wrapped in banana leaves.
📍Canggu Night Market
Location: Jl. Batu Bolong, Canggu
From Our Experience: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this night market features various stalls offering Jaje Bali among other local delicacies. It’s a great spot to sample different flavors and types of these traditional sweets.
📍Ubud Art Market
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud
From Our Experience: This market offers a variety of Jaje Bali options from local vendors, making it a perfect place to explore Balinese snacks while enjoying the artistic vibe of Ubud.
Jaje Bali – Balinese Cakes and Pastries
No trip to Bali is complete without trying Jaje Bali, a selection of traditional Balinese cakes and pastries that are as colorful as they are delicious.
Bright, colorful, and often steamed, Jaje Bali refers to traditional Balinese cakes and pastries made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut. These bite-sized treats come in a variety of shapes and textures, from chewy rice cakes to soft coconut dumplings.
Made from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar, these sweet treats come in various shapes and sizes. Often served during religious ceremonies, Jaje Bali is not just about the taste; it’s also about experiencing the island’s rich culture through its food.
The flavors are subtly sweet, chewy, and slightly nutty, with each bite offering a soft texture that melts in your mouth. These cakes are often paired with a cup of Balinese tea, making for a perfect snack.
Like bubur sumsum, jaje bali usually sells in the local market along with the bubur sumsum itself.
Seafood Specialties in Bali
Jimbaran Seafood – Dining by the Sea
Bali’s seafood scene is truly something special, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by dining at one of the famous seafood restaurants in Jimbaran Bay.
Picture a table by the water, a fresh catch sizzling on the grill, and the ocean breeze all around you. That’s the Jimbaran seafood experience.
The seafood is typically grilled and served with sambal or a sweet soy glaze, bringing out the natural flavors of the fish, prawns, and squid. It’s a simple yet incredible way to enjoy the freshest seafood Bali has to offer.
For an unforgettable meal, check out our top picks for seafood dining in Jimbaran:
Hatiku Jimbaran
- Find it at: Jl. Bukit Permai, Jimbaran, Bali
- Why you’ll love it: They grill their seafood Jimbaran-style, using coconut husks for that unique smoky flavor. Plus, you can choose from cozy indoor seating or stunning beach views outdoors.
- What to try: The “Hatiku Special” is a must—it’s a hearty mix of seafood that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- Open hours: Every day from 9 AM to 11 PM
Radja Seafood Cafe Jimbaran
- Find it at: Jl. Pantai Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali
- Why you’ll love it: Nothing beats their fresh seafood served right on the beach, especially with the gorgeous sunset in the backdrop. It’s casual, it’s authentic, and it’s absolutely relaxing.
- What’s special: Pick your own seafood from the display—talk about a custom meal!
- Open hours: From late morning till the stars are out.
Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant
- Find it at: Jl. Pantai Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali
- Why you’ll love it: Set right on the beach, this place offers a chilled vibe with stunning ocean views—perfect for a laid-back meal.
- What to try: The grilled fish is a revelation, and the local specialties are made with the freshest ingredients.
- Open hours: Daily, ready to serve you lunch and dinner.
Nelayan Restaurant
- Find it at: Jl. Pantai Jimbaran No. 1, Jimbaran, Bali
- Why you’ll love it: For those romantic dinners, Nelayan’s elegant setting by the beach is your go-to. The sunset views here? Simply unbeatable.
- What’s special: Their extensive menu features everything from grilled to fried seafood, alongside classic Indonesian dishes.
- Open hours: Open all day, every day for lunch and dinner.
Pepes Ikan – Balinese Spiced Fish in Banana Leaves
Another seafood gem that captures Bali’s love for spices is Pepes Ikan, or Balinese spiced fish wrapped in banana leaves. The fish is marinated with turmeric, chili, and other local spices before being wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or steamed to perfection.
The result is tender, flavorful fish with a smoky aroma and the deep, earthy flavors of the marinade.
The banana leaf enhances the fish’s natural flavor while also providing a fragrant, earthy quality. It’s a dish that showcases Bali’s unique way of cooking and its incredible use of spices.
To get some pepes ikan, it’s often sold by the market, any restaurants nearby the beaches or any fancy restaurants that provide any seafood and balinese meal.
Bonus: Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Bali
Gado-Gado – Indonesia’s Famous Salad
Are you on the hunt for some vegetarian or vegan goodness in Bali?
Good news! Bali is also a haven for vegetarian and vegan travelers, with many dishes offering fresh, plant-based ingredients.
One standout is Gado-Gado, Indonesia’s famous salad that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Gado-Gado is a mixture of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all smothered in a creamy peanut sauce. The combination of textures—crunchy, soft, and chewy—is complemented by the rich, nutty sauce, making it a filling and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
Bali’s culinary offerings are not just meals; they are experiences that engage all your senses. Whether dining at a high-end restaurant or enjoying street food from local vendors, each bite allows you to connect with the island’s culture and people.
So, as you embark on your gastronomic journey through Bali, be sure to savor every dish and embrace the unique flavors that make this island a true culinary paradise. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Bali!
